Town preparing to host public briefing tonight on amendments

The Compass has confirmed that Harvey Puddister tendered his resignation late last week, eroding council’s ranks to just five members with about seven months remaining in its four-year term in office.

Late last month, former mayor Ron Laracy also quit, saying he was too busy to fulfill his duties as the town’s top elected official.

Ross Dawe, who had been serving as deputy mayor, has replaced Laracy.

It’s the latest in a series of awkward events to occur in the town, which is being hampered by financial uncertainties.

A major staffing crisis was also narrowly averted in recent days after council approved a $1 per hour raise for two employees. Both had either tendered their resignation or was threatening to quit.

Puddister was not available for comment when contacted Tuesday morning.

Meanwhile, a public briefing is scheduled for tonight (Feb. 12) on proposed amendments to the town’s municipal plan and development regulations. The amendments, if approved, would allow for docks and harbours as a discretionary use in the area of Pointe Beach.

The development of Pointe Beach into a marina been a divisive topic in the community.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. and will take place at the Cupids town office.

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Shari Porter

February 13, 2013 - 16:11

I believe our Council has our best interests in hand. We have to make progress to move forward. Do people actually think that the Government just gives out a million dollars for the fun of it? There is always acountibility with all Government funds.God help all small towns without Government funding, we wouldn't be able to exist. That also comes from taxpayers money..

It appears that the Town of Cupids is operating with a dysfunctional town council and has serious financial problems. The former Mayor and a councilor have resigned. The Town of Cupids has serious financial problems and apparently cannot pay its bills. However, the Town of Cupids apparently has money to spend to hire a land development consultant. The Town of Cupids has apparently spent a very substantial amount of tax payer dollars on infrastructure for a commercial marina while the Town cannot pay its bills.The Government of Newfoundland should investigate and report the details of why the Town of Cupids apparently used substantial amounts of money from a $1.5 Million Government Grant which it obtained for "municipal improvements" to construct a commercial marina without Government approval. The Government of Newfoundland should investigate and report the details of why the Town built a commercial marina on land that the Town of Cupids did not own in an area not zoned for the operation of a marina? It appears that an investigation, a forensic audit and a Judicial review of the highly questionable activities of the Town of Cupids is long overdue. It appears that more resignations from the Town of Cupids council are required!

After what they've been doing to my family and others over the past 5-10 years I think it would be best if they all left and that particular town council was no more! One can only hope that no one comes forward to accept the remaining positions and the council has to fold. It would also be beneficial for an impartial 3rd party to look at some of the dealings that this council has incurred with the Provincial Government over the years. Bout time everyone heard about what is actually happening in Cupids with "John Guy" and other historical figures! Its about time these stories became noted in the media and let the people of NL know whats happening in your wonderful little town of Cupids!